I want to take part in Red January 2020 to prove to myself that I can GLOW and be HAPPY again, despite having such a traumatic year. I want to do this by raising awareness around the positive impacts that exercising can have on mental health – It truly has saved my life! 

My Challenge

Since hypertrophy training and going to the gym has been a huge factor in improving my mental and physical state, I plan to go to the gym 4-5 times a week and take up various activities such as running with my boyfriend, spin and circuit classes, tennis and swimming at the local leisure centre - and if I’m feeling really adventurous I might take a day out in Wales to climb Mount Snowdon, as this has always been a goal of mine – We’ll see what happens! 

My story

My story goes back to February this year when I sadly had to take some time out of work to focus on my mental and physical wellbeing after having a mental breakdown. 

I now suffer with severe depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental health conditions, and since my breakdown back in February, I have had so much support from the NHS and family around me. I’ve had countless trips to the hospital from anxiety attacks and other incidences, as well as many counselling, CBT and ACT therapy sessions. 

As a result of being completely desperate to reform my mental state I decided to join the gym earlier this year, and since then, I use it as my therapy for my Depression, Anxiety, etc. I learnt about the mind to muscle connection you need when working out and the feeling of being back in control of your body when your mind has strayed you away - Exercise has quite literally saved my life. 

I now want to help others to not only to find their love for exercise and fitness, as a way of therapy, but to also support them in getting the help they need for their mental health.